Agent sees Tonali’s career far from Serie A, clarifies Frattesi and Cristante stance | OneFootball

Sandro Tonali’s agent, Beppe Riso, believes Serie A clubs can no longer afford his client and admits holding talks with La Liga and Premier League clubs for Davide Frattesi, who ultimately decided to stay with Inter.

Riso represents some of the best Italian footballers, including Azzurri stars Tonali and Frattesi.

Tonali is in his second season at Newcastle and has played a key role at St. James’ Park this season.

Tonali played 22 Premier League matches for Newcastle United in the 2024-2025 season, scoring one goal. He also played five matches in the EFL Cup, scoring twice.

“Sandro is one of the best midfielders in the world. At this point, his value is such that Italian clubs will hardly be able to afford him,” Riso told Repubblica.

Agent sees Tonali’s career ‘far from Serie A’, clarifies Frattesi and Cristante’s stance

Sandro Tonali of Newcastle United scores his team’s third goal during the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Newcastle United FC at St Mary’s Stadium on January 25, 2025 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Eddie Keogh/Getty Images)

“I see his career developing away from Serie A.”

Lazio midfielder Nicolò Rovella, another Riso client, was linked with Manchester City and Liverpool in January.

“More than one club has shown interest, but I won’t name them,” Riso said.

“It doesn’t surprise me because there aren’t many young playmakers who are this strong in Europe. But buying him won’t be easy for at least two reasons. First, dealing with Lotito is always tough. And second, he [Rovella] loves Lazio to death; he’s extremely happy there and doesn’t see anything else. He’s truly a Lazio man.”

Inter midfielder Frattesi was unhappy with lack of playing time in January and Riso admitted that he tried to send his client to another club. Several sources reported that Frattesi didn’t personally ask to leave Inter in January.

“It was my idea,” confirmed Riso.

“Or, if you prefer, my push. I saw Davide feeling down because he expected to play more, and I felt bad about it. So, I started working to find alternatives for him, not just in Italy.

“When it comes to Frattesi, a return to Roma is always a natural option, but I had strong solutions in La Liga and, above all, in the Premier League. I would have tried to bring Cristante to Inter if the deal had gone through. But everything stopped because of Davide’s decision; he was too committed to staying at Inter.

“The team is fighting for every target; they’re one of the strongest in Europe, and he knows he can still win a lot in Milan.”

Roma midfielder Cristante wasn’t only an option for Inter.

“At one point, both Juve and Inter were interested in Cristante, but they would have needed to make sales that, in the end, didn’t happen,” said Riso.

“That’s good news for Roma, who can count on a veteran, a potential captain, a player with personality and experience, at least until June.”